Alain Stella Book order

An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the stunning estates of France’s most prestigious and long-standing vineyards. Hennessy, Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Mercier, Krug, Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, Château d’Yquem, and Cheval Blanc: across the world these names are synonymous with prestige, secrets passed down from generation to generation, and the inimitable genius of French wine production. These producers, who together comprise the Moët Hennessy group, weren’t satisfied with simply striving to make the best Cognac, Champagne, Sauternes, or Saint-Emilion. Since they were founded, each has been dedicated to cultivating an environment in which these exceptional French products can be fully appreciated. And so, in order to entertain in style, these legendary institutions have constructed elegant estates. Guests savor meals that have been composed to subtly complement and ultimately intensify the experience of tasting the sought-after libations. Stunning countryside surroundings, beautiful interior design, a friendly atmosphere, and often contemporary art all play a role in entertaining guests; many eminent designers and architects have contributed to these exquisite locales. This volume is an invitation to discover the magic of these beautiful retreats, and the institutions behind them.

A unique glimpse inside a world of luxury, tradition, and splendor. Many historic homes in Paris serve as residences to foreign ambassadors; these historical sites are closed to the general public. From a seventeenth-century hôtel particulier, to a Belle Epoque palace, to a distinctively contemporary setting, each residence rivals the next in its beauty, art collection, and period furniture set against a backdrop of accomplished refinement. Alain Stella invites us over the threshold inside the most prestigious chancelleries and ambassador residences in Paris—from China and Peru to Egypt and Poland. Tapestries inspired by Goya’s drawings grace the lavish salons at the Spanish residence. Jean Prouvé and Charlotte Perriand created a minimalist interior at the Japanese residence that evokes the refined style of a traditional Japanese home. The palace of Eugène de Beauharnais—home to the German ambassadors since 1818—retains its elaborate Empire style, intact since the time of Josephine. Superb photographs, specially commissioned for this book over the course of a year, divulge the secrets of these previously unpublished artistic and architectural treasures.

Tea is a beverage with roots all over the globe, from English tearooms to the mountains of Tibet. This exquisitely illustrated volume leads readers on an investigation of the many faces of tea: a mythic plant, a ceremony, the cause of wars (remember the Boston Tea Party), and ultimately one of the world's favorite beverages. The Book of Tea provides a comprehensive history and background of the beloved ritual of tea, providing photographed accounts of tea farming, tea barons and, teatime, and capturing the various tastes and nuances of teas from around the world. This book, based on the original Flammarion title The Book of Tea, is now edited and brought up to date. This book acts as both a guide to the appreciation of tea and a travel guide to the regions responsible for the production of tea, including Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Anyone who loves tea will be delighted by the chance to delve into the magnificent photography and descriptive writing of The Book of Tea.